Usman Khawaja Ruled Out from 2nd Test Against England: Australia, who won the first match of the Ashes series, have suffered a major setback ahead of the second match. Australian opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the second Ashes Test due to a back injury. Two days before the Pink Ball Test, which begins at the Gabba on Thursday, Australian officials confirmed that the 38-year-old Khawaja will not open the innings. Khawaja was unable to open the batting in the first Test against England due to back spasms.
“Usman Khawaja has been ruled out of the Ashes Test match against England in Brisbane with a back injury. He has not been replaced in the squad,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Khawaja, who will turn 39 later this month, spent about half an hour in the Gabba nets on Tuesday but appeared uncomfortable throughout. His back problem has not improved enough for him to take part in the Test starting on Thursday.
His absence ensures that Australia will once again field a new opening combination in this Ashes series. Labuschagne didn't score many runs opening the innings, but Head performed brilliantly in the second innings, sealing the match for Australia.
Head scored a brilliant century in that match, helping his team secure an eight-wicket victory against England on the second day itself. Australia already leads the series 1-0, and with both teams missing key players, the upcoming game at the Gabba looks set to be a close one.
Pacer Scott Boland had sympathy for Khawaja.
“It’s hard because he’s put in a lot of work since the last game just trying to get his body right but he hasn’t come up, unfortunately,” Boland told reporters.
“I thought he looked pretty good in the nets, but he must have thought in himself that he wasn’t ready to go.”
Boland added: “I think the best thing about our team over the last few years is when someone has come out, either due to form or an injury, someone’s always stood up and done their job.”
Australia are already without their skipper and ace pacer Pat Cummins, who continues his recovery from a back injury. Pacers Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott are also unavailable owing to injuries.
Cricket Australia confirmed he will remain with the side to continue his rehabilitation.
“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation. He has not been replaced in the squad.”- Cricket Australia.
Australia Squad for 2nd Test: Steve Smith (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
On the other hand England Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday announced England’s playing XI for the second Ashes Test and made a solitary change in the XI, replacing their injured marquee pacer Mark Wood with all-rounder Will Jacks for the Brisbane Test.
Jacks, who plays for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, has played in two Test matches for England before getting a call-up for the Pink-Ball Test. The spin-bowling all-rounder had claimed a maiden five-wicket haul on debut against Pakistan in 2022.
England Playing-11 for 2nd Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
